Archbishop Appoints Father Spina Convicted of Raping Boy As Diocesan Chancellor Delegate
Archbishop Guy de Kerimel of Toulouse has drawn criticism of the Catholic Church by appointing Father Dominique Spina, who was convicted in 2006 of raping a 16‑year‑old boy—to serve as diocesan chancellor and delegate for marriages, effective from September 1.
Spina had been sentenced to five years in prison (four to serve, one suspended) for the assault committed in 1993 while he was chaplain at a school in Bétharram.
De Kerimel defended the move as an act of “mercy,” noting that Spina has held administrative roles in diocesan archives for five years without further complaints.
He emphasized that Spina is no longer involved in pastoral duties, aside from occasional Mass celebrations, and affirmed his belief that the priest has shown “clear signs of conversion” over the past three decades.
However, the decision has been widely condemned. Canon law stipulates that a chancellor must be “of honest reputation and above all suspicion,” and critics argue Spina’s conviction disqualifies him. Victim-support organizations including France-based coalitions and international advocates like SNAP have voiced outrage, with SNAP urging Pope Leo XIV to intervene and demonstrate genuine commitment to survivors.
Within the broader Catholic community, responses range from shock to indignation. One local parishioner told regional media the decision was “unacceptable,” while conservative Catholic outlets described the move as bewildering and urged Vatican clarification .
A bishop, speaking anonymously, called the appointment “a great shame” and warned that a convicted abuser should never hold a position of responsibility.
The controversy arises amid ongoing scrutiny of abuse within French Catholic institutions, following the 2021 CIASE report that uncovered widespread sexual victimization over several decades. Since then, the Church in France has implemented two internal commissions and pledged stronger measures yet this latest appointment has reignited concerns that accountability remains insufficient.
Observers are now watching closely to see if Pope Leo XIV will act. The Pontiff, who recently appointed a French bishop to lead his Commission for the Protection of Minors, may face pressure to override or reprimand the archbishop.
His response is expected to signal the Vatican’s true stance on balancing mercy with safeguarding and justice.
As tensions rise, Toulouse’s faithful remain deeply divided. For many, the appointment undermines the trust and moral integrity the Church has worked to rebuild casting doubt on whether institutional compassion can coexist with meaningful protection for survivors.
